Maternal morbidity and mortality: an iceberg phenomenon

Outcomes of Postpartum Preeclampsia: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 1.3 Million Pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the association between postpartum preeclampsia and the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Evidence suggests that postpartum preeclampsia is initiated antenatally, but the impact on birth outcomes is unclear.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

All deliveries in hospitals of Quebec, Canada.

POPULATION

1 317 181 pregnancies between 2006 and 2022.

METHODS

We identified patients who developed preeclampsia in the postpartum period. Using log-binomial regression models, we estimated adjusted risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association of postpartum or antepartum preeclampsia with adverse pregnancy outcomes relative to no preeclampsia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Preterm birth, placental abruption, severe maternal morbidity and recurrent preeclampsia.

RESULTS

Postpartum preeclampsia was less frequent than antepartum preeclampsia (n = 4123 [0.3%] vs. 51 269 [3.9%]). Postpartum preeclampsia was associated with preterm birth (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.34-1.57), placental abruption (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.16-1.59) and severe maternal morbidity (RR 6.48, 95% CI 5.87-7.16) compared with no preeclampsia. Antepartum preeclampsia was also associated with these outcomes. Moreover, patients with postpartum preeclampsia in a first pregnancy were at risk of adverse outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy, particularly recurrent preeclampsia (RR 7.77, 95% CI 6.54-9.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Postpartum preeclampsia is associated with adverse outcomes at delivery, despite being detected only postnatally. Our findings suggest that patients with adverse birth outcomes may benefit from blood pressure measurements up to 6 weeks following delivery.

Impact of scaling up health intervention coverage on reducing maternal mortality in 26 low- and middle-income countries: A modelling study

BACKGROUND

Prioritising actions is urgently needed to address the stagnation of the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR). As most maternal deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), we aimed to assess the impact of scaling up health intervention coverage on reducing MMR under four scenarios for 26 LMICs.

METHODS

We conducted a modelling study to estimate the MMR and additional maternal lives saved by intervention by 2030 for 26 LMICs using the Lives Saved Tool (LiST). We used four scenarios to assess the impact of scaling up health intervention coverage by no scale-up (no change), modest scale-up (increased by 2% per year), substantial scale-up (increased by 5% per year), and universal coverage (coverage reached 95% by 2030). We divided the selected 26 countries into three groups according to their MMR levels in 2020.

RESULTS

Among 26 LMICs, six (23.1%) countries showed an increase in MMRs and 13 (50.0%) stalled on the reduction of MMR from 2015 to 2020. Under a substantial scale-up of coverage or scaling up to universal coverage, the average MMR in 2030 of 26 LMICs would be 62.8 or 52.8, reaching the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1. Caesarean delivery, uterotonics for postpartum haemorrhage, and assisted vaginal delivery had a more important role in this reduction compared to other interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Scaling up the coverage of health interventions is critical for reducing MMRs. If a substantial scale-up or scaling up to universal coverage of continuous maternity interventions from preconception to postpartum period can be achieved, LMICs in Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions could reach the SDG 3.1 on time.

The global burden, risk and inequality of maternal obstructed labor and uterine rupture from 1990 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Obstructed labor (OL) and uterine rupture (UR) are common obstetric complications. This study explored the burden, risk factors, decomposition, and health inequalities associated with OL and UR to improve global maternal health.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional analysis study including data on OL and UR from the Global Burden of Diseases, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. The main outcome measures included the number and age-standardized rate (ASR) of incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), prevalence, and deaths.

RESULTS

The global burden of OL and UR has declined, with a decrease in incidence (number in 2019: 9,410,500.87, 95%UI 11,730,030.94 to 7,564,568.91; ASR in 2019: 119.64 per 100,000, 95%UI 149.15 to 96.21; estimated annual percentage change [EAPC] from 1990 to 2019: -1.34, 95% CI -1.41 to -1.27) and prevalence over time. However, DALYs (number in 2019: 999,540.67, 95%UI 1,209,749.35 to 817,352.49; ASR in 2019: 12.92, 95%UI 15.63 to 10.56; EAPC from 1990 to 2019: -0.91, 95% CI -1.26 to -0.57) and deaths remain significant. ASR of DALYs increased for the 10-14 year-old age group (2.01, 95% CI 1.53 to 2.5), the 15-19 year-old age group (0.07, 95% CI -0.47 to 0.61), Andean Latin America (3.47, 95% CI 3.05 to 3.89), and Caribbean (4.16, 95% CI 6 to 4.76). Iron deficiency was identified as a risk factor for OL and UR, and its impact varied across different socio-demographic indices (SDIs). Decomposition analysis showed that population growth primarily contributed to the burden, especially in low SDI regions. Health inequalities were evident, the slope and intercept for DALYs were - 47.95 (95% CI -52.87 to -43.02) and - 29.29 (95% CI -32.95 to -25.63) in 1990, 39.37 (95%CI 36.29 to 42.45) and 24.87 (95%CI 22.56 to 27.18) in 2019. Concentration indices of ASR-DALYs were - 0.2908 in 1990 and - 0.2922 in 2019.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the significant burden of OL and UR and emphasizes the need for continuous efforts to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. Understanding risk factors and addressing health inequalities are crucial for the development of effective interventions and policies to improve maternal health outcomes globally.

Infection-related severe maternal outcomes and case fatality rates in 43 low and middle-income countries across the WHO regions: Results from the Global Maternal Sepsis Study (GLOSS)

The highest toll of maternal mortality due to infections is reported in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, more evidence is needed to understand the differences in infection-related severe maternal outcomes (SMO) and fatality rates across the WHO regions. This study aimed to compare the burden of infection-related SMO and case fatality rates across the WHO regions using the Global Maternal Sepsis Study (GLOSS) data. GLOSS was a hospital-based one-week inception prospective cohort study of pregnant or recently pregnant women admitted with suspected or confirmed infection in 2017. Four hundred and eight (408) hospitals from 43 LMICs in the six WHO regions were considered in this analysis. We used a logistic regression model to compare the odds of infection-related SMOs by region. We then calculated the fatality rate as the proportion of deaths over the total number of SMOs, defined as maternal deaths and near-misses. The proportion of SMO was 19.6% (n = 141) in Africa, compared to 18%(n = 22), 15.9%(n = 50), 14.7%(n = 48), 12.1%(n = 95), and 10.8%(n = 21) in the Western Pacific, European, Eastern Meditteranean, Americas, and South-Eastern Asian regions, respectively. Women in Africa were more likely to experience SMO than those in the Americas (aOR = 2.41, 95%CI: [1.78 to 2.83]), in South-East Asia (aOR = 2.60, 95%CI: [1.57 to 4.32]), and the Eastern Mediterranean region (aOR = 1.58, 95%CI: [1.08 to 2.32]). The case fatality rate was 14.3%[3.05% to 36.34%] (n/N = 3/21) and 11.4%[6.63% to 17.77%] (n/N = 16/141) in the South-East Asia and Africa, respectively. Infection-related SMOs and case fatality rates were highest in Africa and Southeast Asia. Specific attention and actions are needed to prevent infection-related maternal deaths and severe morbidity in these two regions.

Road to maternal death: the pooled estimate of maternal near-miss, its primary causes and determinants in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Maternal near-miss (MNM) is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) working group as a woman who nearly died but survived a life-threatening condition during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy due to getting quality of care or by chance. Despite the importance of the near-miss concept in enhancing quality of care and maternal health, evidence regarding the prevalence of MNM, its primary causes and its determinants in Africa is sparse; hence, this study aimed to address these gaps.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published up to October 31, 2023, was conducted. Electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Directory of Open Access Journals), Google, and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant studies. Studies from any African country that reported the magnitude and/or determinants of MNM using WHO criteria were included. The data were extracted using a Microsoft Excel 2013 spreadsheet and analysed by STATA version 16. Pooled estimates were performed using a random-effects model with the DerSimonian Laired method. The I2 test was used to analyze the heterogeneity of the included studies.

RESULTS

Sixty-five studies with 968,555 participants were included. The weighted pooled prevalence of MNM in Africa was 73.64/1000 live births (95% CI: 69.17, 78.11). A high prevalence was found in the Eastern and Western African regions: 114.81/1000 live births (95% CI: 104.94, 123.59) and 78.34/1000 live births (95% CI: 67.23, 89.46), respectively. Severe postpartum hemorrhage and severe hypertension were the leading causes of MNM, accounting for 36.15% (95% CI: 31.32, 40.99) and 27.2% (95% CI: 23.95, 31.09), respectively. Being a rural resident, having a low monthly income, long distance to a health facility, not attending formal education, not receiving ANC, experiencing delays in health service, having a previous history of caesarean section, and having pre-existing medical conditions were found to increase the risk of MNM.

CONCLUSION

The pooled prevalence of MNM was high in Africa, especially in the eastern and western regions. There were significant variations in the prevalence of MNM across regions and study periods. Strengthening universal access to education and maternal health services, working together to tackle all three delays through community education and awareness campaigns, improving access to transportation and road infrastructure, and improving the quality of care provided at service delivery points are key to reducing MNM, ultimately improving and ensuring maternal health equity.

Global burden of potentially life-threatening maternal conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Potentially life-threatening maternal conditions (PLTCs) is an important proxy indicator of maternal mortality and the quality of maternal health services. It is helpful to monitor the rates of severe maternal morbidity to evaluate the quality of maternal care, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries. This study aims to systematically identify and synthesize available evidence on PLTCs.

METHODS

We searched studies in English from 2009‒2023 in PubMed, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) Gateway, the POPLINE database, and the Science Direct website. The study team independently reviewed the illegibility criteria of the articles. Two reviewers independently appraised the included articles using the Joanna Briggs Instrument for observational studies. Disputes between the reviewers were resolved by consensus with a third reviewer. Meta-analysis was conducted in Stata version 16. The pooled proportion of PLTCs was calculated using the random effects model. The heterogeneity test was performed using the Cochrane Q test, and its level was determined using the I2 statistical result. Using Egger's test, the publication bias was assessed.

RESULT

Thirty-two cross-sectional, five case-control, and seven cohort studies published from 2009 to 2023 were included in the meta-analysis. The highest proportion of PLTC was 17.55% (95% CI: 15.51, 19.79) in Ethiopia, and the lowest was 0.83% (95% CI: 0.73, 0.95) in Iraq. The pooled proportion of PLTC was 6.98% (95% CI: 5.98-7.98). In the subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence varied based on country income level: in low-income 13.44% (95% CI: 11.88-15.00) I2 = 89.90%, low-middle income 7.42% (95% CI: 5.99-8.86) I2 = 99.71%, upper-middle income 6.35% (95% CI: 4.21-8.50) I2 = 99.92%, and high-income 2.67% (95% CI: 2.34-2.99) I2 = 99.57%. Similarly, it varied based on the diagnosis criteria; WHO diagnosis criteria used 7.77% (95% CI: 6.10-9.44) I2 = 99.96% at P = 0.00, while the Centers for Disease Controls (CDC) diagnosis criteria used 2.19% (95% CI: 1.89-2.50) I2 = 99.41% at P = 0.00.

CONCLUSION

The pooled prevalence of PLTC is high globally, predominantly in low-income countries. The large disparity of potentially life-threatening conditions among different areas needs targeted intervention, particularly for women residing in low-income countries. The WHO diagnosis criteria minimize the underreporting of severe maternal morbidity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CRD42023409229.

[Maternal morbidity and mortality in Brazil and the urgency of a national surveillance system for maternal near miss]

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the analysis of severe maternal morbidity/maternal near miss cases as complementary to the analysis of maternal deaths since the incidence is higher and the predictive factors of the two outcomes are similar. Considering that the reasons for maternal mortality in Brazil have remained constant despite the commitment made during the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2015, this article aims to propose a nationwide maternal near miss surveillance system. We propose the inclusion of maternal near miss events in the National List of Compulsory Notification of Diseases, Injuries, and Public Health Events, via the compatibility of the diagnostic criteria of maternal near miss, informed by the WHO, with the codes of the International Classification of Diseases for the identification of cases. Considering that health surveillance is based on several sources of information, notification could be made by health service professionals as soon as a confirmed or suspected case is identified. With the study of the factors associated with the outcomes, we expect a qualified evaluation of the services focused on obstetric care and consequent implementation of more efficient policies to prevent not only maternal death but also events that can both cause irreversible sequelae to women's health and increase the risk of fetal and neonatal death.

"We really are seeing racism in the hospitals": Racial identity, racism, and doula care for diverse populations in Georgia

INTRODUCTION

Poor birth outcomes are more prevalent for Black communities, but strong evidence shows that doula care can improve those outcomes. More evidence is needed to understand racial differences, discrimination, and equity in doula care.

METHODS

The current study's objective was to describe the experiences of Black doulas as well as the challenges and facilitators of providing doula care to communities of color in Georgia. From Fall 2020-Fall 2021, 20 surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted with doulas as part of a community-based participatory study co-led by Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia and academic researchers.

RESULTS

Doula participants were diverse in age (5% under 25, 40% 25-35, 35% 36-45, and 20% 46+) and race/ethnicity (45% white, 50% Black, 5% Latinx). Most (70%) Black doulas reported that more than 75% of their clientele is Black, while most (78%) white doulas reported that less than 25% of their clientele is Black. Doulas noted the alarming Black maternal mortality rate and how mistreatment causes Black clients to lose trust in medical staff, leaving them in need of advocates. Black doulas were passionate about serving and advocating with Black clients. Participants also described how language and cultural barriers, particularly for Asian and Latinx people, reduce clients' ability to self-advocate, increasing the need for doulas. Doulas also discussed the ways that race influences their connections with clients and their dissatisfaction with the lack of cultural humility or sensitivity training in standard doula training.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that Black doulas provide essential and supportive services to Black birthing people, and those services are more urgently needed than ever following the overturn of Roe v. Wade. Doula training must be improved to address the cultural needs of diverse clients. Increasing access to doula care for Asian and Latinx communities could also address language and cultural barriers that can negatively impact their maternal and child health outcomes.

Septic shock in obstetrics: guidelines of the All-Russian public organization “Federation of Anesthesiologists and Reanimatologists”

The article reflects the main provisions of the clinical guidelines on septic shock in obstetrics, approved by the All-Russian public organization “Federation of Anesthesiologists-Resuscitators” in 2022. The relevance of the problem is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates from sepsis and septic shock in obstetrics. The main issues of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, methods of laboratory and instrumental diagnostics, features of using the qSOFA, SOFA, MOEWS, SOS, MEWC, IMEWS scales for sepsis verification are consistently presented. The article presents the starting intensive therapy (the first 6–12 hours) of the treatment of septic shock in obstetrics, taking into account the characteristics of the pregnant woman's body. The strategy of prescribing vasopressors (norepinephrine, phenylephrine, epinephrine), inotropic drugs (dobutamine) is described, antibiotics and optimal antibiotic therapy regimens, features of infusion and adjuvant therapy are presented. The issues of surgical treatment of the focus of infection and indications for hysterectomy, as well as the organization of medical care and rehabilitation of patients with sepsis and septic shock were discussed. The basic principles of prevention of sepsis and septic shock in obstetrics are described. The criteria for the quality of medical care for patients with septic shock and the algorithms of doctor's actions in the diagnosis and intensive care of patients with septic shock in obstetrics are presented.

Severe maternal morbidity trends over 20 years in a tertiary referral stand-alone maternity unit

OBJECTIVE

Severe maternal morbidity (SMM) is a better indicator of quality of care than maternal mortality, which is a rare event. Risk factors such as advanced maternal age, caesarean section (CS) and obesity are increasing. The aim of this study was to examine the rate and trends in SMM at our hospital over a 20-year period.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review was performed of cases of SMM from January 1st 2000 to December 31st 2019. Yearly rates for SMM and Major Obstetric Haemorrhage (MOH) were calculated (per 1000 maternities) and linear regression analysis was used to model the trends over time. Average SMM and MOH rates were also calculated for the periods 2000-2009 and 2010-2019 and compared using a chi-square test. The patient demographics of the SMM group were compared to the background population delivered at our hospital using a chi-square test.

RESULTS

702 women with SMM were identified out of 162,462 maternities over the study period yielding an incidence of 4.3 per 1000 maternities. When the two time periods (2000-2009 and 2010-2019) are compared, the rate of SMM increased 2.4 vs 6.2 (p < 0.001), largely due to an increase in MOH 1.72 vs 3.86 (p < 0.001) and pulmonary embolus (PE) also increased 0.2 vs 0.5 (p = 0.012). Intensive-care unit (ICU) transfer rates more than doubled 0.19 vs 0.44 (p = 0.006). Eclampsia rates decreased 0.3 vs 0.1 (p = 0.047) but the rate of peripartum hysterectomy 0.39 vs 0.38 (p = 0.495), uterine rupture 0.16 vs 0.14 (p = 0.867), cardiac arrest (0.04 vs 0.04) and cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) (0.04 vs 0.04) remained unchanged. Maternal age > 40 years 9.7% vs 5% (p = 0.005), previous CS 25.7% vs 14.4%; p < 0.001 and multiple pregnancy 8 vs 3.6% (p = 0.002) were more prevalent in the SMM cohort compared to the hospital population.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, rates of SMM have increased threefold and transfer for ICU care has doubled over 20 years in our unit. The main driver is MOH. The rate of eclampsia has decreased and peripartum hysterectomy, uterine rupture, CVA and cardiac arrest remain unchanged. Advanced maternal age, previous caesarean delivery and multiple pregnancy were more prevalent in the SMM cohort compared to the background population.

Role of ferroptosis in pregnancy related diseases and its therapeutic potential

Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death characterized by iron overload, overwhelming lipid peroxidation, and disruption of antioxidant systems. Emerging evidence suggests that ferroptosis is associated with pregnancy related diseases, such as spontaneous abortion, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, and spontaneous preterm birth. According to these findings, inhibiting ferroptosis might be a potential option to treat pregnancy related diseases. This review summarizes the mechanisms and advances of ferroptosis, the pathogenic role of ferroptosis in pregnancy related diseases and the potential medicines for its treatment.